What better way to celebrate 96 straight hours of Icelandic sunlight than with a music festival? For the past six years, Reykjavik’s Secret Solstice festival uses the midnight sun as a backdrop for international and Icelandic artists to perform. A stacked lineup, featuring Black Eyed Peas, Robert Plant, Martin Garrix, Rita Ora, Patti Smith, Morcheeba and The Sugarhill Gang are all set to ring in the summer from June 21 – 23rd. However, let’s take a look at some stellar local talent who will be gracing the festival stages as well.
Auður
After witnessing a James Blake performance, Auðunn Lúthersson evolved from his Icelandic hardcore roots and reinvented himself. His latest project, AUÐUR (pronounced “Author”), meshes the world of electronic music with the slick, sensual vibes of R&B.
Árstíðir
Árstíðir draws from various parts of the musical spectrum, layering icelandic hymns, indie-folk, electronic textures, pop/rock sensibilities, and intricate vocal harmonies into a sound all their own.
Högni
Over the past decade, Högni Egilsson has scored numerous film and television works, as well as fronted both indie-rock band Hjaltalí and electronic group GusGus. His solo project, Högni, adopts an ambient and personal perspective.
Vök
This dream-pop trio was formed as a entrant into Iceland’s annual Músíktilraunir competition, which they eventually won. With dreamy electronics, melodic vocals, and distant saxophones, Vök conjure up dreamy indie-electro soundscapes
